New York Arrests

New York has many types of offenses that are specific to the state and commonly charged due to the large population and prevalence of the New York Police Department (NYPD). The most common types of offense are cited in the form of a pink summons. Over half a million of these summonses are issued each year in New York. Arrests in New York airports are also common as JFK and LaGuardia are popular international travel hubs.

Queens Arrest Defense Lawyer

Contact the Law Office of Rochelle S. Berliner if you have been arrested or issued a summons in Queens or New York City. Rochelle S. Berliner is dedicated to fighting the charges against you, and will make every effort to help you avoid the most serious repercussions and consequences. Call the Law Office of Rochelle S. Berliner at 718-261-5600 for a consultation about your offense in New York.

New York Arrests Information Center

Airport Arrests in New York

Airport arrests in New York can occur at JFK International Airport or at LaGuardia Airport in Queens County. Most airport arrests occur when those travelling into New York are not familiar with the state’s laws. Residents of the state, however, can also easily be charged with offenses arising from airport arrests.

New York has strict laws and regulations regarding security in airports such as JFK and LaGuardia. Additionally, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has created security checkpoints to search a person’s body or luggage. Some of the most commonly charged offenses arising from airport arrests in New York can lead to misdemeanor or felony charges, and can include:

Under Vehicle and Traffic Law §1220-b, a person may not unlawfully solicit ground transportation services at an airport. This means a person cannot, without authorization and proper licensing, offer transportation from an airport by vehicle, including taxicab, limousine, van or bus. Any person who engages in the unlawful solicitation of ground transportation services at an airport could be found guilty of a class B misdemeanor punishable by a fine ranging from $500 to $1,250 and/or up to 90 days in jail.

The Port Authority police are vigilant in their enforcement of this law.

Common Pink Summons Offenses

The New York City Administrative Code and the New York Public Health Law list a variety of offenses that can result in a pink summons under New York’s Penal Law and Vehicle and Traffic Law that include:

This offense is more commonly known as “public urination,” and can occur if a person throws or expels any bodily fluid or any filthy matter of any kind into any street, public place, sewer, river, basin or any water in the City. This offense is punishable as a misdemeanor.

Operating a Vehicle for Hire Without a License – New York City Administrative Code § 19-506:

This offense can occur of a person knowingly operates a vehicle for hire, like taxicabs, without first obtaining an appropriate license. This offense is punishable as a misdemeanor.

Unlawfully in Park After Hours – Rules and Regulations of the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation § 1-03:

A person commits this offense if they remain in any public park after the permissible hours or fail to obtain a proper permit for certain activities in public parks. This offense is punishable as a misdemeanor.

Littering – New York City Administrative Code § 16-118:

A person can be charged with this offense if they litter, sweep, throw or cast any ashes, garbage, paper, dust or other rubbish on any street or public place in New York. This offense is considered a non-criminal offense, and is punishable by a civil penalty of a fine.

Unlicensed General Vendor – New York City Administrative Code § 20-453:

If anyone acts as a general vendor without first obtaining a proper license, they can be charged with this offense. Anyone violates this provisions can be punished with a misdemeanor charge.

Unreasonable Noise – New York City Administrative Code § 24-218:

A person can be charged with this offense if they make, continue or permit to be made, any unreasonable noise.

Consumption of Alcohol in the Street – New York City Administrative Code § 10-125:

Any person who drinks or consumes an alcoholic beverage, or possesses with the intent to drink or consume an open container containing an alcoholic beverage, in any public place without a permit can be charged with this offense. This offense is punishable as a misdemeanor.

Bicycle on Sidewalk – New York City Administrative Code § 19-176:

A person who commits this offense operates their bicycle on a sidewalk without being permitted to do so by an official sign. This offense is punishable with either a civil penalty or by a misdemeanor.

New York State Penalties for Arrests and Summonses

Many summonses and arrests in New York, including New York airport arrests are criminal offenses that can result in misdemeanor or felony charges. Many of the maximum punishments for these offenses are defined in Articles 70 and 80 of the New York Penal Law. However, the length of imprisonment and/or fines may vary depending on the severity of the offense, the type of offender, and the number of prior convictions the offender has.

Class A felonies can lead to life imprisonment, and/or fines up to $5,000 or double the amount gained from committing the crime.

Class B felonies can lead to imprisonment for up to 25 years and/or a fixed fine not exceeding $5,000 or double the amount of the defendant’s gain from committing the offense.

Class C felony convictions can result in a prison sentence no more than 15 years and/or a fixed fine up to $5,000 or double the amount of the defendant’s gain from committing the offense.

Class D felonies can result in imprisonment for up seven years and/or a fixed fine not more than $5,000 or double the amount of the defendant’s gain from committing the offense.

Class E felonies can result in imprisonment up to four years and/or a fixed fine not more than $5,000 or double the defendant’s gain from committing the offense.

Class A misdemeanor convictions can result in a one year jail sentence and/or fines not exceeding $1,000.

Class B misdemeanor convictions can lead to three months in jail and/or fines up to $500.

Resources for New York Arrests

New York City Department of Parks & Recreation – This New Your department maintains and regulates the use of parks, gardens and beaches in the state, including Central Park. This website provides information on the rules and regulations pertaining to the parks in New York, including remaining in a park unlawfully after hours.

John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) – This website offers information about John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), one of New York’s major commercial and international airports. JFK is run and operated by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. This site has information on flight schedules and statuses, a history of the airport, and other airport facts and information. The airport is located at:

JFK International Airport Queens, New York 11371 Phone: (718) 244-4444

LaGuardia Airport – This website offers information about LaGuardia Airport (LGA), one of New York’s major commercial airports. LaGuardia is run and operated by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. This site has information on flight schedules and statuses, a history of the airport, and other airport facts and information. The airport is located at:

LaGuardia Airport 10205 Ditmars Blvd. East Elmhurst, New York 11369

New York Police Department - When a person has been arrested at an airport in New York, including JFK and LaGuardia, they will be taken to Queens Central Booking Unit, which is operated by the New York Police Department (NYPD). This Unit is located at:

Law Office of Rochelle S. Berliner | Queens Arrest Defense Attorney

If you have been charged with a criminal offense in any of the boroughs of New York City, including Queens, Brooklyn, the Bronx and Manhattan, or in Nassau and Suffolk Counties on Long Island, call the Law Office of Rochelle S. Berliner at 718-261-5600. Rochelle S. Berliner is an experienced Queens criminal defense lawyer knowledgeable in all areas of New York’s state-specific laws, and is dedicated to helping you find the best possible outcome for your particular situation.

Contact the Law Office of Rochelle S. Berliner today for a consultation about your alleged New York arrest.

Rochelle Berliner grew up in Queens, NY. She started New York Law School in January 1989 and graduated in June 1991. Immediately after law school, she started working at the New York County District Attorney’s Office, where she stayed for approximately 14 years...

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